Midsummer Favorites

How has your summer been? It's hard to believe it's almost August. I've gathered together a few of my favorite things from this summer so far. I'd love to know what yours are!

1. "Euphoria" by Lily King

My favorite book this summer is Euphoria by Lily King. Inspired by the life of Margaret Mead, it tells the story of a married couple Nell and Fen who are working as anthropologists in New Guinea in the 1930's. When they meet another young anthropologist and decide to work with him, a passionate love triangle occurs. This book tells two fascinating stories: one, about the lives of anthropologists working in the field in the 1930's and two, a dramatic love story that threatens the careers and lives of the three main characters. At only 257 pages, this book delivers a powerful punch with such efficiency. I loved its intensity and passion.

2. "Far From the Madding Crowd"

My favorite movie (it came out in May) is Far From the Madding Crowd. This sweeping, romantic tale is about the beautiful and independent Bathsheba, played by Carey Mulligan, and the three men who compete for her love. Apparently this is the only Thomas Hardy novel with a happy ending. The clothes that Carey Mulligan wears in the film are stunning and so well suited for a young Victorian heroine striding through the Dorset countryside! 

3. Tilda Swinton in "Trainwreck"

 The surprise comedic performance of the summer has to be Tilda Swinton in the film Trainwreck.
This movie is absolutely hilarious and its star Amy Schumer is a comic genius. But who knew Tilda had such comedic talent? Go here to find out how she transformed herself to look like this!

4. Hydrangeas from the garden

This year my hydrangeas have been amazing! It's been so much fun cutting them for arrangements.

5. Finding a new garden ornament

Whenever I go to Montecito, I stop at William Laman who carries the best garden accessories. This wooden obelisk reminds me of ones I've seen in gardens in England.

I also found this lantern at William Laman's

6. Garden plaque

A dear friend gave me this plaque for my birthday, which is going in the garden once I find a place for it. There's wisdom here, don't you think?

7. Aperol Spritz cocktails

We discovered these drinks when we were in Italy and have been making them ever since.

The recipe is simple:

Pour 4 oz. Prosecco into an ice-filled glass. Add 1 oz. Aperol liqueur and top off with club soda. Gently stir together. Garnish with orange zest and mint leaf. It makes the perfect summer aperitif.

8. Garden party inspiration

I haven't had a chance to post my photos from this year's Robinson Garden Tour.
As always, it was so inspiring. I loved this table set for a garden party.

9. Reading the New York Times Travel Section
Photo via here

In the summer this is always my favorite section of the paper and this summer it has not disappointed. Talk about creating wanderlust! There have been so many fabulous articles. I file them away in my travel notebook. This photo is from the article "Dorset, Thomas Hardy Country." I want to be there right now!

10. Rereading Tender Is The Night 

Summer is a great time to reread this classic set in the French Riviera. F. Scott Fitzgerald considered Tender is the Night his best work. And when you go back and reread it, you understand why. The writing is just beautiful. I had forgotten how sad this book is. And how glamorous. It conjures up the 1920's and summers in the south of France -- beaches, villas, and stylish Americans throwing fabulous parties. (Go here to read more about the connection between the Fitzgeralds and Cap d'Antibes.) It also contains one of my favorite dedications:

To Gerald and Sara Murphy -- Many Fetes

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Wishing you a summer filled with "many fetes"!